In this area of study students explore the meaningful connections between two texts.
They analyse texts, including the interplay between character and setting, voice and structure, and how ideas, issues and themes are conveyed. By comparing the texts, they gain a deeper understanding of the ideas, issues and themes that reflect the world and human experiences.
What are the central themes, issues and ideas in the book that connect Tracks with Into the Wild?
A few examples might be:
Which of these intersect with those explored in Into the Wild? Do they present the same perspectives or do they contrast? Map out the development of each key theme, issue and idea as it is explored in each text and discuss how the comparison raises questions about these central themes that might otherwise not be evident from a study of only one of the texts.
[Source]
Read
Take the time to read "Tracks" by Robyn Davidson. At the end of each chapter, take the time to think about some of the themes or areas of the chapter that jumped out at you. Overall, the book is a straight forward read. It isn't a novel, it is a memoir, so you don't need to look for main characters or story arc's.
Watch
When watching Into the Wild use the subtitles to actively view the movie. The film is broken up into chapters, why do you think that the director did this? At the end of each chapter think about the themes or areas that jumped out at you.
Fermentation
When studying a text or film you need to give yourself time to ferment the ideas and themes that you are being exposed to. If you get study, walk the dog, do something mindless (like unpack the dishwasher) and then go back and re-read or re-watch the section that you are studying.
Talk
Talking through your ideas and thoughts about the movie or memoir with teachers and students help you to verbalise and process your ideas.